Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Most cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because HPV vaccination and regular screening can prevent many cases or find precancerous changes before they become cancer. For current testing intervals and what Pap and HPV results mean, see our 2026 Pap and HPV screening guide.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
High-risk HPV infection is the main cause. HPV is very common and most infections clear on their own. Cancer risk rises when a high-risk infection persists and causes abnormal cervical-cell changes over time.
Smoking and a weakened immune system can increase the chance that persistent HPV infection progresses to precancer or cancer.
Possible Symptoms
Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
These symptoms can have many non-cancer causes, but they deserve medical evaluation.
Screening Recommendations Changed in 2026
For average-risk patients, ACOG’s 2026 guidance recommends:
- Ages 21–29: Pap testing every 3 years.
- Ages 30–65: clinician-collected primary high-risk HPV testing every 5 years is preferred when available.
- Co-testing with HPV plus Pap every 5 years is an acceptable alternative.
- Patient-collected high-risk HPV testing every 3 years may be an option in selected settings with approved tests and reliable follow-up.
- Pap testing alone every 3 years remains an option when HPV-based testing is not available or is chosen after counseling.
People with HIV, significant immune suppression, previous high-grade cervical precancer or cancer, or certain other high-risk histories need a different screening plan.
HPV Vaccination
CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11–12 years, with vaccination able to start at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for people who were not adequately vaccinated earlier.
Some adults ages 27–45 may decide to be vaccinated after discussing their individual risk and potential benefit with a clinician. HPV vaccination prevents new infections; it does not treat an existing HPV infection or cervical lesion.
HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, but an inadvertently given dose is not a reason for pregnancy intervention; remaining doses are generally delayed until after pregnancy.
How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed
A Pap or HPV test is a screening test, not a cancer diagnosis. Abnormal screening may lead to repeat testing, colposcopy, and sometimes biopsy. A biopsy is used to determine whether cancer is present.
How to Reduce Risk
- Get HPV vaccination when recommended.
- Attend cervical screening at the recommended interval.
- Follow up abnormal screening results.
- Avoid smoking.
- Use condoms or other barrier methods to reduce, but not eliminate, HPV transmission risk.
When to Seek Care
See a healthcare professional for unexplained vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, persistent unusual discharge, or ongoing pelvic pain. Screening should not be delayed until symptoms appear.
Reliable Sources
Last reviewed for medical accuracy: September 2026.